Impressive, heavy, not for me
By Kenji Watanabe, Osaka ·
I stopped reading the spec sheet at the case size, 44.5 mm by 16.8 mm, then kept going because the 9R86 inside is one of the most technically ambitious movements Grand Seiko makes.
It is a Spring Drive chronograph with GMT, date and power reserve, 72 hours, with a column wheel and vertical clutch. Titanium case and bracelet, sapphire, 200 m, solid back.
But the thickness is a real problem. At 16.8 mm, this watch will not go under a sleeve. It will catch on door frames.
For 11,600 to 12,500 dollars I would choose a smaller Grand Seiko and a separate Seiko Speedtimer. Or a Rolex Daytona if I could get one. If you have a large wrist and want the most impressive Japanese chronograph, though, this is it.